Causes of WW1

Alliances Imperialism Militarism Nationalism

Alliances
Was started because European countries wanted to seek protection from opposing army forces. -Examples:Triple Alliance Between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Triple Entente Between Britain, France, and Russia. - If a country like Austria-Hungary wanted to have a war with Russia, German and Italy will have to help Austria-Hungary against Russia, and in return British and French had to help Russia protect its country and a large war will happen. - Hoped to keep peace. - Believed no one will dare to have a war against another because that will lead to a great war.

Imperialism
Britain got many colonies, Germany got jealous. Germany wanted to expand their territories, but they couldnt , because they are surrounded by powerful countries. The amount of lands owned by Britain and France increased the rivalry with Germany.

Militarism
European powers army has made a massive military buildup which was caused by a desire to protect their overseas colonies. Germany was competing with the UK to build battleships. The Germans army military power had greatly increased, second is Russia, third is France and others. The growing European divide had led to an arms race between the main countries.

Nationalism
Much of the origin of the war was based on the desire of the Slavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina to no longer be part of Austria Hungary but instead be part of Serbia. In this way, nationalism led directly to the War. But in a more general way, the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributed not only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power.

Immediate Cause: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The immediate cause of World War I that made all the aforementioned items come into play (alliances, imperialism, militarism, nationalism) was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. In June 1914, a Serbian nationalist assassinated him and his wife while they were in Sarajevo, Bosnia which was part of Austria-Hungary. This was in protest to Austria-Hungary having control of this region. Serbia wanted to take over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This assassination led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. When Russia began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia. Thus began the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.